Part 28 (1/2)

In she plunged boldly,-- No matter how coldly The dark river ran,-- Over the brink of it, Picture it,--think of it, Dissolute Man!

Lave in it, drink of it, Then, if you can!

Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care; Fashi+on'd so slenderly, Young, and so fair!

Ere her liidly, Decently,--kindly,-- S so blindly!

Dreadfully staring ThroughLast look of despairing Fix'd on futurity

Perishi+ng gloo insanity, Into her rest-- Cross her hands hu her weakness, Her evil behavior, And leaving, with meekness, Her sins to her Saviour!

XLVII A PARENTAL ODE TO MY SON

AGED THREE YEARS AND FIVE MONTHS

THOMAS HOOD

Thou happy, happy elf!

(But stop,--first let e ofpeas into his ear!) Thou ht, Untouch'd by sorrow, and unsoil'd by sin-- (Good heavens! the child is sing a pin!) Thou little tricksy Puck!

With antic toys so funnily bestuck, Light as the singing bird that wings the air-- (The door! the door! he'll tu of thy sire!

(Why, Jane, he'll set his pinafore a-fire!) Thou i and bright a link, Thou idol of thy parents--(Drat the boy!

There goes my ink!)

Thou cherub--but of earth; Fit playfellow for Fays, bywill bite hi honey Fro in Youth's Elysium ever sunny, (Another tumble!--that's his precious nose!) Thy father's pride and hope!

(He'll break the -rope!) With pure heart newly stamp'd from Nature'sdo off with another shove!) Dear nursling of the hymeneal nest!

(Are those torn clothes his best?) Little epitome of man!

(He'll climb upon the table, that's his plan!) Touch'd with the beauteous tints of dawning life-- (He's got a knife!)

Thou enviable being!

No stor, Play on, play on, My elfin John!

Toss the light ball--bestride the stick-- (I knew so many cakes would make hi the face grotesque, and antic brisk, Withat your gown!)

Thou pretty opening rose!

(Go to yours my heart into my mouth!) Fresh as the morn, and brilliant as its star,-- (I wish thathad an iron bar!) Bold as the hawk, yet gentle as the dove,-- (I tell you what, my love, I cannot write, unless he's sent above!)